Searching for Family and Traditions at the French Table

Bumpus does an outstanding job crafting a story of her family and their trajectory assembling it into a meaningful work and expression of unique essence. Recipes are paired well and reflect the people and place whence forth a dish has emanated. The recipes are easy to discern, regional interest is well detailed and relationships aptly explores. Bumpus’ voice is pleasant and engaging which made this a perfect read on this rainy midwestern Spring Sunday. She is the next gen Frances Mayes. Thanks Netgalley!

I received a galley of this through NetGalley.

Part travelogue, part history lesson with a genealogical bent, part cookbook: Carole Bumpus takes readers with her on a trip through Normandy, Brittany, Loire, and Auvergne. The emphasis of the book is different than I expected. I envisioned a cookbook with some context around recipes, but recipes ended up being a minor aspect--though food is very much the theme of the whole book. Instead, Carole describes, in a personable, very easy-to-relate-to voice, her travels with her dear friend Josiane. Carole absolutely adored Josiane's mother Marcelle and the three had planned to make the trip through the mother's homeland together, one last time. Then 9/11 stopped travel. Marcelle died soon after. Now, the two friends take this journey as an emotional tribute to Marcelle--and to enjoy the food and friends they make across France.

There is a book that comes before this one, which I have not read, and I had no problems at all jumping into the story at book 2.

The book offers incredible insights into French history over the past century--and not just the world wars, but also the war in Algeria something I confess I knew nothing about. The narrative is intimate. Carole writes in first person and carries a tape recorder and notebook with her everywhere, as she hopes to write about Marcelle's story with this information. Marcelle was born the day World War I ended, and she never knew if she had been legitimate. Carole and Josiane talk with family friends, explore Marcelle's childhood hometown, stay at a really cool truffle farm, and eventually meet with relatives who, thanks to the internet, have the answers that Marcelle long-sought. The very end of the book compiles recipes that are mentioned throughout.

It's a satisfying read, full of heart. I really felt like I traveled along with them--which makes me feel wistful, I admit, as my own dream trip to France was cancelled because of the pandemic. It's a very different book than I expected and I am perfectly fine with that.

I highly recommend this for people who enjoy travelogues of France and for people who love genealogy, as the search to solve family mysteries is such a driving force for the journey.

The author, along with a friend (or two) travels around France and eats "peasant" food at people's homes. (I should be so lucky to eat this "peasant" food!) Along the way, she interviews the people about their histories, especially as they relate to their experiences in World War 2.
Full of delicious food and recipes, it makes me hungry. And some really great stories.
This is the second book that I have read in the series by this author. I find the books enjoyable and relaxing. I am looking forward to her next volume.

Although the stories are quite charming and are often told when preparing or eating meals, i wish this book included some of the family recipes discussed.